If you have a special type of vehicle in CA, such as a custom-built car, off-highway vehicle, or trailer, you will need to submit separate paperwork and pay registration fees based on your type of vehicle. Some vehicle types, like RVs or motorhomes, are registered the same way as you would a standard car or truck.

Registering Your Off-Highway Vehicle

In California, you not only need to register your car, you must also register any off-highway motorized vehicles that you own. This includes:

Trail bikes.

Mini bikes.

Racing motorcycles.

Dune buggies.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Snowmobiles.

Although these vehicles do not require the standard on-highway registration, they must display an identification plate issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

You will also need to have your custom vehicle smog checked and have it verified by the
California Highway Patrol. You should have your vehicle verified after you've already started the registration process with the CA DMV.

California Trailers

Bring the form along with the trailer's title and previous registration to your local California DMV office.

Pay the registration fee determined by the trailer's value.

Recreational Vehicles & Motorhomes

If you have a motorhome or recreational vehicle (RV) in California, the DMV requires it to be registered like you would register a standard car. For more information, see our California Car Registration page.

CA Scooters and Mopeds

CA classifies vehicles such as mopeds and scooters into several categories, each with its own
registration and licensing requirements.

Read below for general information about each type of vehicle. For more detailed information about mopeds, scooters, and motor-driven cycles, see our page on
Scooters, Mopeds, Etc. in California.

Mopeds (Motorized Bicycles)

According to CA state law, a moped is a vehicle with or without pedals that has:

Registering Other Vehicles in CA

If you have a clean air vehicle (CAV), you may be eligible for CAV decals which enable you to use the carpool (or HOV) lanes even while driving without a passenger. For more information, visit the
CA DMV website.

Forms

REG 343

Use this form to apply for a title and register your vehicle when you buy a vehicle or move to the state.